Post Partum Workout Guide

4: Pelvic Floor Integration

In this video, we’ll build on an active transverse abdominis, and how to integrate it with your pelvic floor.

The pelvic floor does so much more than most of us realize. More than just holding in your internal organs or helping you to not pee when you sneeze (as many of us have experienced during or post pregnancy) it is an endurance muscle helping you to balance and create stability throughout your day.

This is why overworking it through constant contractions like Kegels may have a counter effect causing it to be fatigued and tight. The pelvic floor works in beautiful synergy with the respiratory diaphragm. To start establishing this connection you must first work your breath and the mind-body connection.

In this video you will learn to:

• Access the respiratory diaphragm to naturally engage the pelvic floor
• Identify and isolate the muscles of the pelvic floor
• Perform a Kegel contraction properly
• Identify when and how often to use a Kegel contraction
• Integrate the action of the transverse abdominals and the pelvic floor together
• Ways to help the pelvic floor work in a more functional manner through natural movements in your day

5: Spinal mobility and breathwork

Now that you’ve mastered the integration of your pelvic floor and transverse abdominis, we’ll focus on breathing techniques and spinal mobility for improving your posture.

Exercises:

1. Chest stretch at the wall
2. Corner stretching
3. Open Chest with strap or band
4. Cactus arms (on floor to start, at wall to progress)
5. Side lying rib mobility test to mid back (thoracic) rotation
6. Seated twist
7. Standing rib mobility to decrease rib flare

It’s important to keep in mind that even though you may feel ready or have the energy to do more intense work early on, it may not be the best option as your body is relearning to function as an integrated system.

Continue to perform this sequence as often as you like throughout your day or week until you feel comfortable and confident then move on to Day 6: Full Core Integration.

6: Core Integration Introduction

In this video you will learn to use your core as a stabilizing system. These movements are meant to be done with caution and consideration of where you are currently in your healing journey. You may be beginning these exercises anywhere from 6 weeks up to 4 months postpartum but as always listen to your body first and if you are unsure please seek advice from your healthcare professional.

Additionally it is recommended that you do not attempt these moves until you have confidently and successfully learned to integrate the core as a whole through pelvic floor, transverse abdominal, and diaphragmatic activation as outlined in Videos 3 and 4.

These exercises are progressive, and will teach you how to create a solid foundation before moving to the next variation of each move. With this in mind it may be of great benefit to watch the video through first and then follow along to the level that suits you best.

As you move on to the next two videos you will see these moves again as beginner Level 1 and advanced beginner Level 2 workouts that may be performed several times a week (at the appropriate level) until you have built up strength and endurance to do the moves with ease and are ready to move on.

The Moves:

• Core stabilization with limb movement progressing to Dead Bug
• Trunk curl with alternating knee lift
• Bridge lift to single leg knee lift
• Inner thigh abduction
• Side plank variations
• Bird dog (spinal balance) to bird dog crunch
• Modified to full plank variations

7: Core Integration Level 1

HOW TO USE THIS WORKOUT: This is a beginner Level 1 core circuit. It is designed to help reestablish strength and stability. The circuit is performed for two rounds. As you increase strength you may repeat the circuit as many as three to four rounds in each session.

FREQUENCY: Start slow with 1 to 2 days a week increasing to 3 days a week making sure you have plenty of rest between sessions for at least 4-6 weeks before moving on to Video 8 advanced beginner Level 2 core circuit as well as Videos 9-11 of this workshop.

The Moves:

• Abdominal crunch
• Modified Dead bug
• Bridge lift
• Side lying abduction
• Modified Side plank hold

8: Core Integration Level 2

HOW TO USE THIS WORKOUT: This is an advanced beginner Level 2 core circuit. The moves here will build off of your foundation from the Level 1 core training. The circuit is performed for two rounds. As you increase strength you may repeat the circuit as many as three to four rounds in each session.

FREQUENCY: 2 to 3 days a week making sure you have plenty of rest between sessions. You may move on to Videos 9-11 in addition to this workout.

The Moves:

• Abdominal crunch with knee lifts
• Dead bug
• Bridge lift to single leg bridge
• Side lying abduction
• Side plank hold
• Bird Dog
• Plank hold

9: Lower Body Progression

HOW TO USE THIS WORKOUT: Now that you have established a great foundation from your core training it’s time to use your core as a stabilizing mechanism for your lower body bodyweight exercises.

You may do these exercises while also incorporating your Level 2 core circuits. Each exercise starts with a base move in the first round and a progression is given in each consecutive round. Stay at the level that feels right for you and always listen to your body first.

FREQUENCY: You may do this workout as many as 2 – 3 times per week with rest between sessions.

Format: In exercises 1-5, there is an option to progress the intensity. You’ll do 3 rounds of each exercise.

Exercise 1 Progression:

• Squat to box (10)
• SL squat (5 each side)
• Pistol squat to box (5 each side)

Exercise 2 Progression:

• Side to side lunge (10)
• Step out (5 each side)
• Step out with leg add cross (5 each side)

Exercise 3 Progression:

• Deadlift (10)
• Staggered single leg deadlift (reach to box) (5 each side)
• Balancing single leg deadlift (reach to box) (5 each side)

Exercise 4 Progression:

• Stationary Lunges (5 each side)
• Reverse lunges (5 each side)
• Elevated lunge (5 each side)

Exercise 5 Progression:

• Hip thrust (10)
• Feet elevated hip thrust (10)
• Single leg hip thrust (5 each side)

Exercise 6:

• Open hip lunge to hip rotation (5 each side)

10: Upper Body Progression

HOW TO USE THIS WORKOUT: You may do these exercises while also incorporating your Level 2 core circuits and Lower Body bodyweight exercises. Each exercise starts with a base move in the first round and a progression is given in each consecutive round. Stay at the level that feels right for you and always listen to your body first.

FREQUENCY: You may do this workout as many as 2 – 3 times per week with rest between sessions

Perform each move 8-10 reps at the appropriate level moving to the next progression as strength increases. Repeat for 3 rounds.
Equipment: elevated surface, yoga block or foam roller, blanket

Serratus/traps

• Reclining scapular retraction/protraction
• On the wall scapular retraction/protraction push/pull
• Prone (table) scapular retraction/protraction push

Low traps

• On the wall elbow butterfly retraction
• Table top single arm elbow butterfly retraction
• Prone elbow butterfly retraction

Low traps

• Facing the wall Y low trap activator arm lifts
• Prone Y low trap activator arm lifts (child’s hinge with head support)
• Prone extended Y low trap activator arm lifts

Pecs/Triceps/Biceps

• On the wall Push ups
• Elevated push ups
• Floor push ups

Pecs/Triceps/Biceps

• Triceps dips (feet varied)
  Side lying push ups left
  Side lying push ups right

11: Full Body Progression

HOW TO USE THIS WORKOUT: Once you have established a strong foundation in your upper body, lower body, and core bodyweight moves you are ready to add resistance with weighted objects. You will be offered progressions for many of the exercises.

Always start with the base move and assess how you feel. Move onto the next level as you feel stronger and always listen to your body.

FREQUENCY: Perform this full body workout as many as 3 times a week as a stand alone workout. Alternatively you may add this workout once a week in conjunction with one upper body, one lower body, and one core workout with ample rest between each workout.

Format: Perform each move in each superset for :30 seconds with minimal rest between each move, then repeat each superset a total of three times before moving to the next superset. Each round will have an option to progress in intensity.

Superset 1

• Deadlift to alternating rear step progressing to rear leg lift
• Weighted bridge lift progressing to single leg weighted bridge lift (L/R)

Superset 2

• Scapular retraction push ups progressing elevated to floor
• Push up to alternating side plank progressing to inner thigh clam lift

Superset 3

• Weighted squat to biceps curl progressing to single leg squat (L/R)
• Reverse lunge to one arm shoulder press (L/R) progressing to alternating reverse lunge to double arm shoulder press

Superset 4

• Weighted single side Dead Bug (L/R) progressing to alternating weighted Dead Bug
• Ab crunch hold with side to side heel taps

Superset 5

• Prone alternating wide arm lifts progressing to Y arm lifts
• Hinged reverse fly

12: Mindset, Meditation and Mobility Introduction

In this intro to yoga video, Coach Nikki will set up your next two classes: Gentle Chair Yoga and Gentle Mat yoga. Both classes are designed to deepen the breath, to use mindful observation, and to create careful movements as you gain more mobility throughout the body. You can use household props to make each move more accessible and to provide feedback for the nervous system.

Mindfulness meditation as embodied in a gentle yoga practice is truly your ability to let go of tension, control your body through focused observation, and connect to your body on a deeper level. It can be a very effective way to speed up the postpartum recovery and fitness progress.

Once you can integrate your body, mind, and breath you can build a great awareness and foundation for successful movement both in exercise and in daily living.

FREQUENCY:

Start with the Gentle Chair Yoga class (next video) as soon as you would like, as it is safe for all abilities.

Continue to the Gentle Mat Yoga class once you have the ability to move up and down from the floor comfortably (usually around 4-6 weeks or as cleared by your provider).

Repeat the videos as often as you like throughout the week. To gain the most benefit try to incorporate these mindfulness practices into your schedule at least 3 times a week.

13: Gentle Chair Yoga

In this class you will experience a gentle seated yoga flow to aid in relaxation, mobility, and body awareness.

WHAT WE WILL COVER:

• Guided centering and breathwork
• Neck stretches
• Spinal mobility
• Hip opening
• Low back release
• Chest opening
• Seated relaxation

FREQUENCY OF PRACTICE:

Repeat this practice as often as you like in its entirety or any of the moves that feel good and useful throughout your day. Taking just a few minutes each day to connect your mind, body, and breath will add up. If you are new to this practice try repeating this guided class 2 times a week for 3 weeks and then do it on your own as you become more comfortable.

14: Gentle Mat Yoga

In this class you will experience a gentle mat yoga flow to aid in relaxation, mobility, and body awareness.

WHAT WE WILL COVER:

• Guided centering and breath work
• Neck stretches
• Spinal mobility
• Side body and rib lengthening
• Hip opening
• Low back release
• Chest opening
• Guided relaxation

FREQUENCY OF PRACTICE

You may do this class once you have the ability to move up and down from the floor comfortably (usually around 4-6 weeks or as cleared by your provider). Repeat the videos as often as you like throughout the week.

To gain the most benefit try to incorporate these mindfulness practices into your schedule at least 3 times a week.

15: The Transition Conversation

In this workshop, we’re going to cover important considerations for transitioning back into a regular workout routine. These guidelines will help you make your transition as smooth as possible.

It’s important to keep in mind that even though you may feel ready or have the energy to do more intense work it may not be the best option as your body is relearning to function as an integrated system.

Exercises to avoid for as much as 4 months postpartum include any moves that include intense cardio or plyometric type exercises:

• Jumping Jacks
• Burpees
• Running upstairs
• Running / Sprinting
• Intense cycling
• Vigorous swimming
• Box jumps / tuck jumps

As well as front loaded ab exercises:

• Full planks
• Sit ups
  V-ups
• Rolldowns / Rollups
• Reclining straight leg lifts / leg drops
• Anything that can cause doming of the abs or uses the core to support bodyweight

Instead continue building deep strength and awareness while your core recovers by reviewing Video 6: Full Core Integration while mastering both the beginner and advanced beginner workouts (Videos 7 and 8). Once you feel confident and connected in your advanced beginner moves you are ready to add more load to your workouts.

As a next step in your core focus you can give the 21 Day Quick Core Challenge (one of our Rock Your Life Challenges) a try.

Getting back to training with your new body

• You’re ready is not everyone’s ready.
• Ease into it and check with your doctor.
• When you feel ready to move on, take time to review the Foundations of Functional Fitness as a gateway to the next chapter in your postpartum fitness journey.
• Integrate what you’ve learned about core stability and breath connection to the pelvic floor into all of your movements and challenge workouts.
• Know that it is always okay to modify a move or do something that suits your body better.
• Remember the 4 Pillars of Health apply to EVERYONE. It can be exhausting as the parent of a newborn so now more than ever sleep matters! In the beginning months you most likely will be running on very little of it, this is nature and it’s not your fault. There is no hurry here. Take time to adjust and before long you will be able to create healthy routines for both you and your baby. This will serve you now and in the future.
• As you move forward and if you are someone who will have a menstrual cycle check out our How to Train Through the Stages of Your Cycle blog post and the Eating and Training with Your Cycle two part podcast episodes:
  • Part 1: Eating and Training with Your Cycle with Dr. Stacy Sims
  • Part 2: Eating and Training with Your Cycle with Dr. Stacy Sims
• Consider working with a physical therapist that specializes in postpartum care. With hands on assessments this may help regain quicker control of the pelvic floor, correct posture misalignments, and if you had a c-section they may also help with releasing abdominal adhesions that can inhibit proper core function.

Thank you for joining us and we hope this information was valuable to you as you go through this transition!